Whether you have something that needs to be cured or just need a break from reality, everybody goes to different beaches for different reasons. Do you travel with your family for bonding time with the kids? Or do you and your significant other just need some time alone?

Here are a few reasons to head to the beach and several top destinations we found.

For the "quality-family time" vacation

Top Pick:

Wildwood, N.J.

As a child, Karen Pastuch traveled from Chester County, Pa., to Wildwood, N.J., with her parents. Now, she's bringing her family back to the boardwalk to make more memories. She said the three piers of amusement rides, the lively boardwalk and the various arcade games are why they love Wildwood.

While walking around the Boardwalk Mall, Joe and Lynn Headley joked with their 24-year-old daughter Alicia. The Headley family has been coming to Wildwood for 34 years, and Joe came with his parents for another 15 years or so before that.

"I don't think it's changed that much," Joe said of the town he has known for a half-century. He still brings his family to his favorite restaurants from his childhood, including Duffy's and Little Italy.

The two-mile-long boardwalk is one of Wildwood's main attractions, complete with three piers of roller coasters, a water park, several arcades and dozens of restaurants within reach.

Honorable Mention:

Rehoboth, Del.

Eric Ruth, marketing and public relations coordinator at Delaware Tourism Office, said Rehoboth Beach also attracts lots of families.

Pastuch said she's been to Rehoboth before but likes Wildwood better; she prefers the larger beach.

For the "crazy end-of-school beach trip"

Top Pick:

Ocean City, Md.

Jessica Waters, communications manager for Ocean City, said that high school graduates have been coming to the shore for "Senior Week" for decades.

"It's a big thing throughout the city," Waters said. "It's not really a sanctioned event, it's not something that has specific dates or specific times, but it's something we've grown over the years to accept. We know Ocean City is a popular destination and when high school seniors graduate, we know this is on their list of places to go."

Starting the last week of May and running into the second week of June, 18-year-olds from all over the East Coast flock to Ocean City to celebrate their freedom from high school. It's a week that's known for underage drinking, drug use and heavy crime rates. It also distracts families from traveling to Ocean City for the month of June.

"In June we have a lot of young visitors, and people come to expect that," Waters said. "We have some families that come then, but not as many as in July and August."

Honorable Mention:

Dewey Beach, Del.

Ruth said that Dewey Beach is known for its nightlife and younger crowds, also attracting the "Senior Week" crowds.

"It has become an annual tradition for thousands of recent graduates from Delaware, Pennsylvania and Maryland high schools to head for Dewey Beach during the first two weeks of June," Ruth said. "Locally, they are called June Bugs."

For the "I don't want to be bothered by anyone other than who I came with" trip

Think colonial Williamsburg meets nautical St. Michaels. The Victorian-style houses, quaint boutiques and the quiet beach are what keep Renita Zieman coming to Cape May year after year. Originally from Lansdale, Pa., Zieman now lives in Scottsdale, Ariz. She's been coming each year to Cape May since she was a baby.

"It's a family town," she said. "There aren't any boom boxes on the beach."

Doreen Talley, marketing director for the Cape May Chamber of Commerce, said that Cape May draws in a lot of families, especially generations of families, such as grandparents coming with their kids and grandkids.

"Cape May is known for the beach," Talley said. "We also have a variety of tours throughout the town because of our architecture."

Zieman joked that she didn't want to praise Cape May too much.

"I don't want to say too many good things because then people will come," she said with a laugh.

Honorable Mention:

Bethany Beach, Del.

Bethany Beach is the best place for extended-family getaways. A quiet town, Ruth said it's best for families that enjoy less intrusion.

"Celebrities get away for weekends at its oceanfront homes," Ruth said. "Families contentedly explore the boardwalk and side streets for fun and shopping, gathering for free concerts on weekend evenings and movies on the beach."

Did we forget to mention your favorite East Coast beach? Tell us below where you like to go.

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